Viscous fluid extrusion apparatus



p 1966 R. H. FENDLER ETAL 3, 01

VISCOUS FLUID EXTRUSION APPARATUS 2 Sheets-5heet 1 Filed D60. 23, 1964 I mWv Q \w mm m\ N NM NM l! l 1 1i, Q

INVENTORS.

(f/VOE/(K 44 0 sraazy WSW Sept. 13, 1966 R. H. FENDLER ETAL 3,272,401

VISCOUS FLUID EXTRUSION APPARATUS 2 Sheets-5heet 2 Filed Dec.

United States Patent 3,272,401 VISCOUS FLUID EXTRUSION APPARATUS Robert H. Fendlcr, 1805 Lucretia Ave, and Alec Mitchel, 1447 Allenford, both of Los Angeles, Calif. Filed Dec. 23, 1964, Ser. No. 420,658 6 Claims. (Cl. 222-326) This invention relates to fluid tight cartridges for use with or without dispensing guns, and also to a device for dispensing fluids which may be shipped in a compact position and unpacked and operated without the use of a gun ordinarily required therefor in the prior art.

The device of the present invention will have many applications other than those specifically disclosed herein. Thus, the invention should not be limited to those so disclosed. However, the invention has been found to possess considerable utility in dispensing viscous fluids including but not limited to caulking compounds and lubricating oils and greases. It is especially useful in dispensing specially treated petroleum which often leaks through the tightest of packaging seals. 4

It is, in fact, an extremely diflicult current problem to package specially treated petroleum so that it will not leak from a package.

Fluid in cartridges of this lubricating fluid is dispensed therefrom in large, heavy and expensive guns constructed for the single purpose of extruding the fluid from the cartridges.

In accordance with the present invention, the abovedescribed and other disadvantages of the prior art are overcome by providing a rigid cartridge body and a flexible, fluid-tight bag therein to hold leaklessly specially treated petroleum or any other fluid.

For use throughout this application, it is to be noted that the word fluid is hereby defined to include but not be limited to any amorphous product including but not limited to grease of whatever stiffness or viscosity.

It is an outstanding feature of the present invention that, through some modifications of a conventional fluid cartridge for a gun dispenser, the need for the gun itself is wholly eliminated.

Normally, a conventional fluid cartridge is provided with a plunger which is pressed in a rearward end of a hollow, elongated body to extrude fluid from the forward end of the body. This plunger is not conventionally provided with a plunger rod to press it into the tube.

In accordance with the present invention, such a plunger rod is provided. However, it is an unusually useful feature of this rod that it may be detached from the plunger and mounted contiguous to the tube on the exterior or interior thereof. In this way, the shipping length of the cartridge is not increased because the plunger rod is used.

The construction of the device of the present invention is also otherwise unusually inexpensive, yet effectively operable.

The above-dscribed and other advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings which are to be regarded as merely illustrative FIG. 1 is a side elevational view, partly in section, of a conventional or prior art fluid dispensing cartridge;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view, partly in section, of a fluid dispensing cartridge constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view, partly in section, of a combined fluid dispensing cartridge and gun;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view, partly in section, of another combined fluid dispensing cartridge and gun;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational View, partly in section,

of still another combined fluid dispensing cartridge and FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a plunger assembly for use with any of the combined cartridges and guns as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5;

FIG. 7 is a left end elevational View of the plunger assembly shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another plunger assembly which may be used with any of the combined fluid dispensing cartridges and guns shown in any of the FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5; and

FIG. 9 is a transverse sectional view of the plunger assembly of FIG. 8 looking toward the plunger from a position immediately rearward thereof.

In FIG. 1, it will be noted that a cartridge 10 of the prior art includes a hollow, cylindrical, cardboard tube 11 having a metal disc 12 at its forward end crirnped at its forward end 13 thereto and therearound. Disc 12 has an opening 14 therethrough through which a cone 15 is swaged. A cellophane seal 16 is swaged between extensions 17 of ring 18 and the internal surface of cone 15.

All of the structures shown in FIG. 1 and thus far described are employed in each of the devices of the present invention shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5. These same devices will therefore not be described in connection with any of FIGS. 2 to 5, inclusive.

In FIG. 1, the interior of tube 11 is filled with a lubricating fluid 19. The rearward end of tube 11 is sealed against leakage of the fluid by a plunger 20. The rear end of tube 11 is held snugly against the external surface of plunger 20 by a ring 21.

As shown in FIG. 2, all of the structures shown in FIG. 1 may be employed in accordance with the present invention with the exception of the fluid 19. In lieu thereof, fluid 22 is located in a flexible bag: 23 which is heat sealed, tied or closed by any conventional manner. Bag 23 may be made of polyethylene or any other flexible leak-proof material. Bag 23 is located inside tube 11 between ring 18 and plunger 20.

In FIG. 3, a combined fluid dispensing cartridge and gun is illustrated. This gun includes tube 11, disc 12, and cone 15. The combined cartridge and gun of FIG. 3 also includes cellophane diaphragm 16 and ring 18, not shown. Bag 23 is also employed inside tube 11. Bag 23 contains a fluid, not shown. A plunger rod 25 is taped to the exterior of tube 11 at 26 and 27. A plunger 28 is provided for tube 11 having a nut 29 welded to the center thereof. Retaining ring 21, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is employed in the combined cartridges and guns of FIGS. 3, 4 and 5.

In FIG. 3, an end cap 30 is threaded to ring 21. End cap 30 has a conventional nut '31 welded to the center of the inner surface of cap 30. Plunger 25 is threaded at its opposite ends 32 and 33 to fit in nuts 29 and 31, respectively. The threads in the nuts and at the opposite ends of plunger 25 are either left hand threads or both right hand threads. The package of FIG. 3 may be shipped as shown. In use, cap 30 is removed from ring 21. Nut 31 is then threaded to plunger rod 25 at 33. Plunger rod 215, in turn, is threaded to nut 29 at 32. As in the cases of FIGS. 1 and 2, cone 15 is cut off at any convenient position, and cellophane 16 is punctured. iFurther, as in the case of FIG. 2, bag 23 is also punctured. Using cap 30 as a handle, plunger 28 is then pushed toward the forward end of the cartridge at disc #12, and fluid in bag 23 is extruded through. cone 15.

In FIG. 4, a plunger rod 34 is provided having enlargements at 35 and 36 on opposite sides thereof. Cap 30 and nut 31 are also provided. Plunger rod 34 is threaded on its right end at 37. A different kind of plunger 38 is also provided. Plunger 38 has cup-shaped bosses integral therewith indicated at 39 and 40 to receive plunger rod enlargements 35 and 36. Plunger 38 has a slot 41 therein, whereby enlargements 35 and 36 may be pulled through slot 41 rearward of bosses 39 and 40, and inserted therein. In that position, with nut 31 threaded to plunger rod 34 at 37, as before, plunger 38 may be urged forwardly in tube 11 to extrude fluid 22 therefrom at the forward end of the tube.

In FIG. 5, a plunger rod 42 is provided having a bolt of a larger diameter at 43 welded thereto, bolt 43 having a threaded shank 44 and a flanged head 45. Plunger rod 42 is threaded at its right end 46, as before. Cap 30' with nut 31' are also employed. A different type of plunger 47 is provided having a nut 48 welded thereto, plunger 47 having a hole 49 there-through. Nut 48 has an internal thread 50 to mate with thread 44 of bolt 33. As before, the internal thread of nut 31 is of a size to mate with the plunger rod thread 46. Note will be taken that bolt thread 44 is a right hand thread, whereas plunger rod thread 46 is a left hand thread. For this reason, nut 31' has a left hand thread.

In the operation of the combined cartridge and gun shown in FIG. 5, bolt 43 is threaded into nut 48, and nut 3-1 is threaded onto plunger rod 42 at 46. Plunger 47 is then pressed forwardly in tube 11.

In the guns of FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, caps 30 and 31' are, of course, removed from ring 21 before the guns are assembled for use.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6, cap 30 is employed with nut 31. A plunger 51 is provided having a pin 52 placed therethrough at its forward end. Plunger rod 51 has a thread at its right end 53 to mate with the thread of nut 31. As stated previously, the thread of nut 31 may be a right hand thread. The same is true of the plunger rod thread 53.

The embodiment of FIG. 6 is shown in a nearly operative position. In a packed position, a plunger, indicated at 54 will lie immediately adjacent cap 30. Plunger 54 has hooks at 55 and 56 welded thereto.

In the operation of the invention shown in FIG. 6, initially plunger 54 will lie contiguous to cap 30. Cap 30 will be unscrewed from ring 21. Nut 30 may then be screwed to plunger rod thread 53. Plunger rod 51 is then drawn rearwardly in tube 11 and cap 30 is continuously turned until pin 52 lies in hooks 55 and 56. Plunger 54 is then pressed forwardly in tube 11 by grasping cap 30 and pressing it forwardly.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, a cap 57 is providcd with two nuts 58 and 59 into which plunger rods 60 and 61, respectively, are threaded. Rods 60 and 61 have flanges 62 and 63 thereon, respectively. The embodiment of FIG. 8 also includes a plunger 64.

When packaged for shipment, plunger 64 is located in tube 11 immediately adjacent cap 57. 'In this position, plunger rods 60 and 61 are both unthreaded from nuts 68 and 69.

In order to assemble the combined cartridge and gun for use, cap 57 is removed from ring 21. Rods 60 and 61 are removed from plunger 64. In this regard, plunger 64 has holes at 65, and 66. Hole 65 is larger than flange 62. Similarly, hole 66 is larger than flange 63. This makes it possible to withdraw plunger rods 60 and 61 completely from tube 11 through plunger 64. Rods 60 and 61 are then threaded into nuts 68 and 69, respectively. The forward ends of rods 60 and 61 are then snapped into slightly undersized grooves 67 and 68, where they fit snugly. Flanges 62 and 63 fit against the interior face of plunger 64 at 69. Plunger 64 is urged forwardly in tube 11 by grasping cap 57 and pushing the same forward.

In accordance with the foregoing, it will be appreciated that use of the sealed bag 23 provides means to solve the packaging problem for specially treated petroleum. Further, the plunger rods 25, 34, 42, -1, 60 and 61 which are detachable from plungers 28, 38, 47, 54 and 64, respectively, make it possible to package the 4 plunger rods within the same longitudinal dimensions of the tube 11. Further, a gun is not necessary to the operation of the combined cartridges and guns of FIGS. 3 to 9, inclusive.

Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated herein, many changes and modifications thereof will of course suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. The present invention should therefore not be limited to the embodiments selected for this disclosure, the true scope of the invention being defined only in the appended claims.

We claim:

1. A fluid dispenser comprising: an elongated, hollow, rigid body; a disc fixed to and enclosing a forward end of said body, said disc having an opening therethrough; a plunger in the rearward end of said body; a plunger rod; and a cap for the rearward end of said body, one end of said plunger rod being adapted for connection with said plunger, said cap being adapted for connection with the other end of said plunger rod and with the said rear- 'ward end of said body, said plunger having an opening therethrough, said plunger rod being located at one side of said bag, inside said body and through said plunger hole.

2. A viscous fluid dispenser comprising: an elongated hollow, cylindrical, rigid tube; a dispenser head including a disc fixed to and enclosing the forward end of said tube, said disc having a central opening therethrough; a sealed flexible bag in said tube carrying a fluid; a cylindrical plunger slidab le in said tube rearward of said bag, said plunger having a substantially flat front face to engage said bag, said plunger having a cylindrical threaded hole in the center of the rear face thereof; a plunger rod having one end threaded into said plunger threaded hole; a cap having means for detachable connection with the rearward end of said tube, said cap also having a. threaded hole in one face thereof, said plunger rod having the other end thereof threaded into said cap threaded hole, all of said threads being of the same hand.

3. A viscous fluid dispenser comprising: an elongated hollow, cylindrical, rigid tube; a dispenser head including a disc fixed to an enclosing the forward end of said tube, said disc having a central opening therethrough; a sealed flexible bag in said tube carrying a fluid; a cylindrical plunger slidable in said tube rearward of said bag, said plunger having a diametral slot through the center thereof; a cup shaped boss on each side of said slot at the center thereof; a plunger rod having a projection at one end to fit inside of each of said bosses, said plunger rod and projections being small enough in cross section to pass through said plunger slot, the other end of said rod being threaded; a cap detachably threaded to the rearward end of said tube; and a nut fixed to the center of one face of said cap, the said other end of said plunger rod being adapted to be threaded to said cap nut.

4. A viscous fluid dispenser comprising: an elongated hollow, cylindrical, rigid tube; a dispenser head including a disc fixed to and enclosing the forward end of said tube, said disc having a central opening therethrough; a sealed flexible bag in said tube carrying a fluid; a cylindrical plunger slidable in said tube rearward of said bag, said plunger having a hole therethrough; a first threaded nut fixed to the interior face of said plunger in alignment with said hole; a plunger rod smaller than the minimum inside diameter of said first nut; a threaded member fixed concentrically on one end of said rod, said first nut and said member having mating threads; a cap detachably threaded to the rearward end of said tube; and a nut fixed to the center of one face of said cap, the said other end of said plunger rod being adapted to be threaded to said cap nut.

5. A viscous fluid dispenser comprising: an elongated hollow, cylindrical, rigid tube; a dispenser head including a disc fixed to and enclosing the forward end of said tube, said disc having a central opening therethrough;

a sealed flexible bag -in said tube carrying a fluid; a cylindrical plunger slidable in said tube rearward of said bag, said plunger having a hole therethrough; a pair of hooks to receive a body moving in a predetermined direction; a plunger rod; 21 pin fixed through said plunger rod at one end thereof in a position to turn into said hooks; a cap detachably threaded to the rearward end of said tube; and a nut fixed to the center of one face of said cap, the said other end of said plunger rod being adapted to be threaded to said cap nut.

6. A dispenser comprising: a rigid tube; a disc having a hole therethrough at the forward end thereof; a flexible bag in said tube to carry a fluid; a plunger slidable toward said bag from the rear of said tube; a larger recess in each side of said plunger; a smaller recess in each side of said plunger; a pair of plunger rods, each of said rods having a radial flange at one end thereof and a thread on the other end thereof; and a cap threaded to the rearward end of said tube, said cap having a pair of nuts fixed to one face thereof, said rods being threadable into said nuts, said flanges being smaller than said larger recesses, said rods extending forward of said flanges, said rods being cylindrical and larger in diameter than said smaller recesses, said for-ward rod extensions thereby being adapted to be snap fit into said smaller recesses.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,474,118 11/ 1923 Rice 2223 86 1,489,262 4/ 19.2 4 Martin. 2,090,111 8/ 1937 Creveling 2223 X 2,334,055 11/1943 Amundsen 222386 2,547,834 4/1951 Perwas 222386 2,671,579 3/ 1954 Kno-block 222- 2,737,331 3/1956 Kirnpa-n 22295 2,744,65 8 5/ 6 Hoover 222-326 FOREIGN PATENTS 668 2/ 1926 Australia.

ROBERT B. REEVES, Primary Examiner. HADD S. LANE, Examiner. 

1. A FLUID DISPENSER COMPRISING: AN ELONGATED, HOLLOW, RIGID BODY; A DISC FIXED HAVING AN OPENING THERETHROUGH; OF SAID BODY, SAID DISC HAVING AN OPENING THERETHROUGH; A PLUNGER IN THE REARWARD END OF SAID BODY; A PLUNGER ROD; AND A CAP FOR THE REARWARD END OF SAID BODY, ONE END OF SAID PLUNGER ROD BEING ADAPTED FOR CONNECTION WITH SAID PLUNGER, SAID CAP BEING ADAPTED FOR CONNECTION WITH THE OTHER END OF SAID PLUNGER ROD AND WITH THE SAID REARWARD END OF SAID BODY, SAID PLUNGER HAVING AN OPENING THERETHROUGH, SAID PLUNGER ROD BEING LOCATED AT ONE SIDE OF SAID BAG, INSIDE SAID BODY AND THROUGH SAID PLUNGER HOLE. 